The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-10-31
ANOTHER GREAT NEED.
A IRsT-CLAss THEATER TO ACCOM-
MoDATE 5000 PEOPLE.
With 1t, Popular-Price Attractions VIII
Bring Success to All Directly Con-
cerned and Qualification to the Pub
lic-Other Uses for It.

There are few great factors lacking to
bring Memphis to the front as a city, and
make her blossom as the rose. She has
the location, territory backing, railroads,
rivers, en- erprising business men, delight
full society, and lastly, the best government
in the world But in one respect the city
is Handicapped against st. Louis, New
Orleans, and even Nashville, and that in
not having large hall, suited TO any
emergency that may arise. Rumors of an
early supplying OF this deficiency have
been periodically set ahoat for the past
three years, and yet the reality seems rs
far removed from the present as ever.
An APPEAL reporter has been re-
minded OF this absent feature of thriv-
ing metropolis many times OF late, but
none more furcibie than that received yes
terday. II came in the midst of discus
sion of the proposition to bring the Ma
tional opera company here some time dur
ing the present season. The gentleman is
an enthusiast on the subject OF music, has
contributed a great deal Of time and money
10 its development, and is thoroughly in
sympathy with the proposed operate fes-
tival. But" said he, where could il he
given?" The inquiry was not answered
satisfactorily, and the public-spirited gen
1 tleman continued:
"Why do not some of the wealthy citi-
zens of Memphis with large interests
here erect hall capable OF seating at
least 5000 people? Surely il would pay
and be beneficial TO the city in number
of ways. To bring the National opera
company here means another failure for
which there il no excuse. Performances
cannot be given at the theater for less than
81 or $3.50 seat, and the people will not
stand this. Again, take the assured
attraction, Booth and Barrett. While they
have not such an expensive or pretentious
combination, yet they are ON the top NJ a
theatrical attraction, and the admission
price is sure 10 be increased People will
20 10 see them, no matter what the cost;
but even should the attendance be some
what slender, yet expenses would be
made, as between the two the opera COM
| pany in entirely different. With the latter
there are no. lcss than $50 people, a num-
Der OF whom are heavily salaricd, and the
/ expense OF travel is also serious item. To
even clear expenses ut the theater, with its
limited seating capacity, would hardly be
II lbNclDlt IaiHlllb AilN hilN-
/ ing crowded houses. II we only had fiNt
! class theater, which could accommodate
1900 people, the National opera company,
or any other unusual combination, could
be booked, IL need not cost over 81 10 see
them, and thus our fame would spread.
l For ordinary road companies, no matter
how excellent, travelling under limited eX-
pense, popular prices could prevail, not cx-
ceeding 10 cents for choice reserved seats.
Don't you see how IL would prove
bonanza 10 both managers and the
public. One great reason why the variety
theaten here, with their sometimes ex-
cruciatingly hidcOus attractions, prosper,
il because IL does not break n man finan-
cially 10 attend them. There are other con-
siderations there, II IL true, but the one
fact mentioned Is forcible in itself. Nash
Vile, with not half the vim, pluck and en-.
terprise of Memphis has seen the oppor.
tunity, and now has a thcater large enough
% accommodate nearly any company that
travels. The National company is going
there, and will be well received.
Another thing 10 be considered: Mem
phis is now the most noted and prosper
ous city In the southwest, with magnificent
Transportation facilities. In the course o
human events IL might become desirable
90 hold conventions or mass meetings 81
huge proportions miscellaneous gather
ings other than theatrical or operate
There IL now no hall In which such could
be accommodated ] tell you, II IL n ne
ccssity which must be met, and the mar
or set Of men who take hold aud bring I
10 a finish are the men who will reap theil
reward in money and public esteem. Thu
APPRAL has led in every movement look
ing 10 the advancement and improvement
Of Memphis, and here is another oppor